Crafting Impactful First Person Narratives

Picture this: You're at a pharmaceutical conference, surrounded by a sea of suits and name badges. Someone asks, "So, what do you do?" Do you launch into a robotic recitation of your job title and responsibilities? Yawn. Or do you have them hanging on your every word with a compelling story? Let me tell you about my friend. Let's call her Dr. Samantha, a Clinical Development Medical Director. She used to introduce herself as “Clinical Development Medical Director at BigPharma Inc.” Impressive, sure, but about as memorable as the side effects list in a drug commercial. Then, she had an epiphany. The next time someone asked, she said, “I’m the person who shepherds potential life-saving drugs from ‘eureka’ moments in the lab to the bedsides of patients who've run out of options.” Boom. Instant intrigue. Here’s the thing: Your career isn’t a list of trials you’ve overseen. It’s an epic saga of scientific detective work, complete with plot twists, character development, and, hopefully, a dash of humor (because let’s face it, some of those adverse events reports can get pretty bizarre). Crafting Your Clinical Development Narrative Find Your Hero’s Journey: Every good story needs a hero (that’s you) overcoming obstacles. What seemingly insurmountable challenges have you faced in drug development? How did you innovate to turn the tide? Highlight the Plot Twists: Unexpected trial results aren’t setbacks; they’re exciting new chapters. Frame them as opportunities for groundbreaking discoveries. Because let's face it, the real magic often happens when things don’t go according to plan. Show, Don’t Just Tell: Instead of saying you’re “patient-focused,” tell the story of how you redesigned a trial protocol to reduce patient burden while improving data quality. Let the impact speak for itself. Know Your Audience: Tailor your story to resonate with who’s listening. The version you tell to regulatory bodies might differ from the one you share with study investigators, or your R&D team. Make sure it aligns with their goals and needs. Practice, Practice, Practice: Your career story should roll off your tongue more smoothly than the mechanism of action of your lead compound. Be ready to share it with anyone, at any time. Because a great story can open more doors than a polished resume ever will. Remember, in the world of clinical development, everyone has a CV listing their trials and publications. But not everyone has a story that makes people lean in and say, “Tell me more about how you're changing the future of medicine.” So, next time you’re updating your professional profile or prepping for a presentation, ask yourself: Am I writing a resume, or am I telling the story of how we’re pushing the boundaries of medical science? Because in the end, people may forget your title, but they'll remember your tale of turning scientific possibilities into patient realities. Now go out and write your next chapter.

I stare at the video screen in frustration. "Anna, you have a habit of telling two things in your stories. To tell an impactful story, you need to focus on one point. One story, one point," my storytelling coach, Matt, says. Matt is one of the best storytellers in the US. "Look at it this way: You can use the same story but craft it differently to make another point," he says. "That’s the beauty of storytelling." When I started my adventure in storytelling, I wanted my stories to convey multiple points. But I've learned that to tell my story with impact, I had to choose one message. We all have stories to tell, but finding the core message can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. If you've ever struggled with pinpointing the main theme of your narrative, you're not alone. Here are three techniques to help you uncover the heart of your story: 1. Begin with the End in Mind. Think about the impact you want your story to have on your audience. What do you want them to take away from it? By envisioning the result, you can work backwards to identify the key message to drive your story forward. Example: if you want your audience to feel inspired by your resilience, your core message might revolve around overcoming adversity. 2. Identify the Turning Points. Look for pivotal moments in your story where a significant change or realization occurred. These turning points often highlight the essence of your narrative and can help you zero in on the core message. Example: If a turning point in your career was realizing your passion for storytelling, your core message might be about the power of following your true calling. 3. Ask Yourself 'Why?' Repeatedly. Continuously asking "why" about different aspects of your story can peel back the layers and reveal the underlying message. This technique, often called the "Five Whys," helps you dig deeper into the reasons behind your experiences and actions. Example: Why did you start your own business? To have more control over your work. Why did you want more control? To pursue your creative ideas freely. Why is pursuing creativity important to you? Because it leads to innovation and fulfilment. Hence, your core message might be about the importance of creative freedom in achieving personal and professional satisfaction. Finding the core message in your story is about understanding the impact you want to create, identifying pivotal moments, and continuously questioning your motives. These techniques will help you craft a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience. P.S. What's the core message of your latest story? Share below, I'd love to hear it. - Hi, I’m Anna Ong. I am the creator and host of What's Your Story Slam, an event similar to stand-up comedy, but instead of jokes, people tell stories. Our events provide a platform for people to connect and inspire each other through storytelling. Keen to learn more? DM me, and let's chat!

What started as a weekend hack has become a growing platform and services business. Today, Corio surpassed one million impressions. Whilst we consistently maintain that impressions and likes aren't the measure of success, this milestone offers valuable lessons about what truly engages audiences when sharing an authentic position. Our journey to one million impressions has increased our conviction about what resonates in today's crowded and competitive digital landscape: • Connection stories dominate: Personal experiences and authentic journeys averaged 50% higher than other types of content. • First-person narrative matters: 95% of our top-performing posts used first-person storytelling, creating an immediate sense of authenticity and relatability. • Questions engage: 65% of the highest-performing content included questions, inviting dialogue rather than broadcasting information. • Length isn't a barrier: While conventional wisdom suggests keeping content brief, longer-form content (200-300 words) performed exceptionally well, achieving 70% more impressions. Analysing our most successful content reveals clear patterns in what makes a story travel: 1. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵: Our highest-engagement posts weren't polished or corporate - they were human. One engineering post with the opening line "I spend my time guessing..." captured the authentic reality of professional life, generating massive engagement by expressing what makes that organisation special. 2. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀: When we shared concrete examples rather than abstract ideas, engagement increased measurably. Stories with real journeys - challenges and outcomes - resonated deeply. 3. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: Regardless of length, well-structured content kept readers engaged and helped positioning resonate. 4. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Months with regular posting showed significantly higher performance. The flywheel effect of showing up consistently drives significant growth. True impact happens beyond metrics. The real value comes when: • The right prospect sees your positioning at their moment of need • They recognise their situation in your narrative and reach out • Your consistent presence builds trust • Your in-person interactions are amplified by what people see online It's this last one that matters most. You need to get out of the building and talk to people - prospects, customers, friends, colleagues - anyone who will listen to you and your ideas. When you couple this with a willingness to share and learn, it becomes a force multiplier. Authentic positioning creates connections that drive business results. People are watching, whether they interact or not. When your message connects, they'll find you. Keep showing up - authentically and consistently. When you do, you will become the obvious choice for the people you are trying to serve.

Coaching our stories People can only see as far as their stories will take them; they can only act as far as their narratives will support them. In my work with leaders, I’ve become increasingly focused on how the stories we tell ourselves shape our sense of identity and ultimately impact the quality of our leadership and life. Inspired by the pioneering work of my friend and Leadership Circle colleague, Steve Athey I’m exploring the techniques of narrative coaching and how coaches can help clients tell more expansive and inclusive stories about themselves. Here’s an example illustrating how narrative coaching might unfold with a leader: Background: Sarah is a senior leader at a technology firm, feeling overwhelmed by her responsibilities. She views her leadership style as ineffective, leading to stress and affecting her team’s morale. Despite a strong track record, Sarah struggles with self-doubt and feels disconnected from her passion for innovation. Uncovering Implicit and Explicit Stories: In her narrative coaching sessions, Sarah starts by examining the stories she tells herself about her leadership and life. She realizes she’s internalized a narrative that she must have all the answers and carry the weight of her team’s success or failure alone. This story of extreme self-reliance and constantly proving her worth has become dominant in her life. Recognizing How Stories Shape Identity and Behavior: As Sarah reflects on her beliefs about leadership, it becomes clear that her self-narrative has led her to adopt a controlling, micromanaging style, fearing that any team mistake reflects on her own competence and value. Understanding the Construction of Stories: Together with her coach, Sarah explores the origins of her leadership narrative. They identify societal expectations and past experiences that have shaped and reinforced her beliefs. By recognizing these stories as constructs, Sarah begins to question their validity and usefulness. Self-Authoring: Encouraged to imagine an expanded leadership identity, Sarah starts crafting a narrative that aligns with her values of collaboration, innovation, and trust. She envisions leading a team where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures. Putting it into Practice: Sarah implements practices that support her new narrative, such as forming collaborative project teams, encouraging open feedback, and celebrating innovative efforts regardless of immediate success. She also begins holding monthly reflection sessions with her team to share successes and learn from challenges, fostering a culture of growth and innovation. Narrative coaching takes a nuanced approach, focusing on the person within their context rather than prescribing change. It highlights the interplay of identity, story, and behavior as a pathway to transformation.

“I’m a founder w/ all this interesting life experience, but I have NO idea how to turn any of it into a story that resonates w/ my audience.” ^ if this sounds like you: a) You’re not alone b) I’ve got you. Keep reading. I've spent the last 4 years obsessively studying & dissecting viral social media content to figure out what resonates & why - helping my clients to generate close to $1mil now. But if I didn’t have this background (& weird obsession 🙃 ) & wanted to build a brand that brings in clients who are attracted to my authenticity & align w/ my values - Here’s what I’d do to craft “personal story” content: 1. Start w/ the MOMENT Reflect on those “standout” experiences Why? a) Our brains hold onto emotional experiences b) Emotional experiences make great stories Here's a few ideas: - You met someone who changed your life / perspective - You got laid off, pivoted, left a job - You relocated to a new place  - Something you meticulously planned went sideways - Something unexpected turned out amazing - Someone gave you advice that stopped you in your tracks (my most viral, money-making piece of content was a blog about this btw) 2. Fast-forward to the takeaway Don’t overthink the middle yet. Focus on what the experience taught you & why it matters to someone else. Ex: The Moment: You met someone who has your dream job & you realized you were on the wrong path.  Takeaway: Sometimes one person can change your life. Be open to what the universe is presenting to you. Another: The Moment: You burnt out at a job that didn’t make you happy & on vacation you slept through precious family time. Takeaway: Overworking impacts more than just you. The takeaway will become the final, impactful lines of your story. 3. Fill in the details This is where your story comes to life. Get specific. When did it happen? (Year, season, month) Where were you? (Location, environment)  Who was there? (Characters)  What were people saying? (Dialogue, quotes)  How did you feel—anxious, excited, scared? The more sensory, the more vivid & engaging the story 4. Tie it together You have your moment, takeaway & details. Start at the very beginning & let the story unfold. Ex: “In the summer of 2017, I flew from LA to NYC to start a new career” Advanced tip: Highlight moments of tension or struggle, where you felt X because of Y. End w/ your takeaway to leave your audience w/ a clear, emotional resolution. 5. Let it sit, then post Give yourself a day to review & edit. You might remember more details or refine your takeaway. -- Seems simple when laid out like this, right? But in reality, there’s a lot that goes into sharing your personal stories in a way that feels genuine to you AND strategically grows your business. Storytelling is the most powerful way to connect. It’s how you build trust & stand out from AI. If this is where you struggle w/ your LinkedIn strategy. This is exactly what I guide my clients to do - send me a DM to connect.

“I have so much experience, but I don’t know how to turn it into a story that makes sense for a Chief of Staff role.” ⬆️ If this sounds like you: a) You’re not alone b) I’ve got you. Keep reading. ⚠️ 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: it's a long one today. Grab some 🍵 and read on: Crafting your narrative is a challenge, especially for roles like Chief of Staff, where every path to the position is unique. 🌀 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀: If you’ve ever successfully navigated ambiguity in your career, you’re already halfway there. Here’s my framework to help you craft a narrative that not only makes sense but also resonates with the roles and leaders you’re targeting: 1️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 - Reflect on those pivotal experiences that stand out in your career. Why? a) Our brains are wired to remember emotional moments. b) These moments demonstrate your ability to adapt, lead, or pivot — all key to being a Chief of Staff. 💡 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀: • You stepped in to lead during a crisis. • You built a process that solved a lingering problem. • You navigated a massive career pivot. • You helped someone else (your manager, team, or company) achieve their goals. 2️⃣ 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 - What did this experience teach you, and why does it matter for the Chief of Staff role? 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲: • 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: You spearheaded an annual planning process while juggling five competing priorities. • The Takeaway: The ability to manage complexity and drive clarity is a superpower. 3️⃣ 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 Bring your story to life: • When did it happen? (Year, season, stage of your career) • Where were you? (Startup, corporate, nonprofit) • Who was there? (Your CEO, team, stakeholders) • What did people say? (Direct quotes can make your story vivid.) • How did you feel? (Confident, uncertain, resourceful?) Specifics make your story relatable and memorable. 4️⃣ 𝗧𝗶𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 Once you’ve outlined your 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆, and 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀, start at the beginning and let the story flow naturally. 💡 Pro tip: Highlight moments of tension or ambiguity (you felt X because of Y), and always circle back to your takeaway to leave the listener with clarity. 5️⃣ 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝘁, 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 Whether it’s for an interview, networking call, or LinkedIn post, give your narrative some space. Review and refine it before sharing to ensure it feels authentic and impactful. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀, 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁? But for many, storytelling feels overwhelming or unnatural. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗼𝗸𝗮𝘆. It’s a skill, and skills need to practiced. Storytelling isn’t just about what you’ve done — it’s about showing how those experiences make you uniquely qualified for this role. 👋 Hi, I’m Clara. I help Chiefs of Staff thrive in their roles and grow their careers. 🔔 Follow for more tips on the Chief of Staff role.

Storytelling isn’t fluff. It’s the difference between being heard and being remembered. Years ago, I was moderating a panel alongside some incredible leaders, but while many spoke about their results, the ones who told a story were the ones people kept talking about after the event ended. The emotional resonance stood out. The sound bites were easy to recall. The names and the messages stuck. This is the core of the coaching I give to global leaders so they can share their story. This is what inspired me to build a program that doesn’t just teach storytelling, it helps you build yours, start to finish. We craft your narrative through structure, not scripts. → Week 1: Clarify who you are and why your voice matters → Week 2: Surface your pivotal transformation moments and shape them into your unique story → Week 3: Craft a keynote that adapts to any room, podcast, panel, or pitch This isn’t about soundbites. It’s about resonance. Let's uncover your story together. https://lnkd.in/dKCPmRFb #PersonalBranding #PublicSpeaking #WomenEmpoweringWomen #MayflyMaven Sandra Baron Victoria Gibson Regula Bathelt Maria Jose Perea Marquez